What Are the Dangers of Deer Meat for Dogs?

Dogs are omnivorous and need eat a balanced diet including protein. In the U.S., deer meat is available from many sources and can provide dogs with the protein they need. The safety of the meat depends on a number of factors, including the origin of the meat and the way it is harvested.

  1. Disease

    • Deer and elk in some parts of the U.S. suffer from Chronic Wasting Disease, a fatal illness similar to mad cow disease. While there is no evidence that CWD can be passed onto humans, research has not been conducted to find out whether it is dangerous for dogs. Experts advise not to eat the flesh of an animal that appears sick, and to avoid the eyes, brain, spinal cord, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of all deer. The disease was first seen in south western Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, but since 2000 has increasingly been identified in other areas.

    Chemical Poisoning

    • Free-ranging deer hunted in agricultural areas may have grazed on agricultural land and ingested pesticides and other chemicals. Research conducted by the National Institute of Health has found increased levels of canine lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn chemicals. Meat from deer that have eaten such grass may also contain the chemicals, and this could poison your dog.

    Lead Exposure

    • A study by the U.S. Department of Health's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry states that fragments of lead bullets were found in venison meant for human consumption. This poses a risk of elevated lead levels in the blood of anyone or any animal who eats it, so care must be taken when harvesting the meat to avoid areas with shot damage. Dogs with lead poisoning have symptoms including convulsions or fits, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Bacterial Contamination

    • Deer that are killed by hunting and cleaned in the field must be handled correctly in order to avoid bacterial contamination. The organs should be removed whole, and the intestinal cavity cleaned with a solution of water and vinegar to kill any bacteria present. Feeding your dog deer meat that has not been cleaned under optimum conditions or kept at the correct temperature could result in salmonella poisoning or brucellosis, a bacterial infection found in both deer and dogs. Brucellosis is contracted by consuming the milk or flesh of an infected animal.

    Buy Safe Meat

    • Deer meat can be purchased from hunters in some states, and at roadside stalls and local stores. To ensure that the meat you give your dog is safe, buy it directly from ranchers who farm with deer and harvest the meat under government inspection, according to strict guidelines.